USDA issues final COOL rule

USDA has issued the final rule for mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) of beef, pork, lamb, chicken, goat meat, wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish, perishable agricultural commodities, peanuts, pecans, ginseng and macadamia nuts. The latest rule amends the regulations for muscle cut covered commodities derived from animals slaughtered in the United States. Labels will be required to specify the production steps of birth, raising and slaughter of the animal from which the meat is derived. In addition, the rule eliminates the allowance for commingling of muscle cuts from different origins. The cost of implementing the requirements will be incurred by the primary packers and processors of the meat and retailers subject to COOL requirements.  Read More